The Growing Chinese Hegemon

China was once the world's leading civilization. However, internal unrest and political upheavals held the country back during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Following World War II, China saw fit to restore itself as the reigning Pacific power supplanting Japan and the influence of the United States. As time marched on, many Asian nations grew in power and China was forced to make a choice - maintain its policy of Sino-centrism or open its borders for foreign interaction.

In 1972, China offered America a historic opportunity in international relations. But was the move a friendly gesture or shrewd calculated politics? Intrigued, I researched the subject to learn why after centuries of very closeted foreign policy, the Chinese opted to open their doors. Ultimately, I found that despite its perception as a gesture of good faith, the decision was part of a larger plan to carefully and patiently mete out limited concessions for greater, national rewards.